Matilda’s Chocolate Cake

There’s nothing quite like the rich aroma of a freshly baked chocolate cake wafting through the kitchen. Matilda’s Chocolate Cake is the perfect dessert for any chocolate lover, taking about an hour from start to finish. This recipe works beautifully due to its carefully balanced ingredients that create a moist and flavorful cake complemented by a luscious frosting.

This recipe is ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion you want to celebrate with a delightful dessert. You can make it a day in advance, and it stores well, remaining delicious for several days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The cake is incredibly moist thanks to the unique addition of boiling water.
• A rich chocolate taste that pairs perfectly with the creamy frosting.
• Simple ingredients create a sophisticated dessert everyone will love.
• Easy to decorate and serve, making it perfect for special occasions.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to whip up this delicious cake.

For the Cake

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting

• 1/2 cup butter
• 2/3 cup cocoa powder
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Whole milk can be replaced with almond milk.
• Granulated sugar can be swapped for brown sugar.
• Vegetable oil may be substituted with melted coconut oil.
• All-purpose flour can be replaced with gluten-free flour blends.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to create your cake.

Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Combine dry ingredients

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Mix wet ingredients

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.

Stir in boiling water

Stir in boiling water (the batter will be thin).

Pour batter

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.

Bake the cakes

Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the cakes

Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Make the frosting

For the frosting, melt the butter and stir in cocoa powder.

Mix frosting ingredients

Add powdered sugar and milk, mixing until smooth.

Frost the cakes

Frost the cooled cakes with the chocolate fudge frosting, swirling it onto the cake as desired.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Yes, freezes well for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight; serve at room temperature.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for better incorporation.
• Don’t skip the boiling water; it helps create the cake’s moist texture.
• Use a toothpick to check the cakes; they are done when it comes out clean.
• Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
• Pair it with fresh berries to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Enjoy it at celebrations or cozy family gatherings for a sweet touch.